Persian or Iranian Brass Islamic Magic Bowl

Engraved Brass ‘Magic’ Bowl

Persia/Iran

18th-19th century

diameter: 16cm, height: 4.7cm

This Safavid ‘magic’ or medicinal bowl dates to eighteenth or nineteenth century Persia (Iran), and possibly to northern India which had Persian influence. Of engraved brass, it has a steep, hemi-spherical central boss. It has an engraved, everted rim, and a low ring foot.

The central boss is surrounded by engraved bands of naskh script. The interior sides are engraved with more script within roundels, and boteh and mihrab-shaped cartouches.

The rim is flat and engraved with a single line of script that runs right round the bowl.

The exterior side is decorated with a series of roundels of more script.

The base of the bowl is further engraved with script.

Magic bowls did not offer continuous talismanic protection but were used only when needed. Liquid would be placed in the bowl and the Koranic verses and magical diagrams would imbue the liquid with curative and protective properties. An afflicted person would then drink the liquid in the hope of relief.

The bowl here is in fine condition. It has a fine patina and obvious age but no cracks, losses or restoration. There is some age-related distortion to the ring foot.

References

Maddison, F. & E. Savage-Smith, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art: Science, Tools & Magic, Part One: Body and Spirit, Mapping the Universe, The Nour Foundation, 1997.

Provenance

UK art market

Inventory no.: 3657

SOLD